Angels rush in ... (Day 4 of 10 Days of Gratitude)

Within less than three minutes of making the call, the ambulance had arrived and was parked in front of the house.  After unloading and readying the stretcher on the sidewalk in front of the house, two paramedics came in the front door.  With gloves on and no masks they asked a few questions about our possible exposure to COVID-19 (the same questions that had been asked earlier by the (911 operator), but you also knew from their demeanour that no matter what the answer they were going to be in the bedroom to tend to Japhia without delay.

Instant sympathy and rapport.  Immediate analysis of the problem.  Bending to the patient's wish not to have to go to the ER given the pandemic and the risks associated with it, they gave total and careful attention to what treatment they could offer where they and we were.  

In ten minutes they had resolved the worst of the symptoms of the chronic disorder that had flared up.  They gave advice and direction for the next few days.  They shared a bit of their own life story.  I think they as much as we appreciated the chance for human contact.  

Again they asked Japhia if she was sure she didn't want to go in to the ER.  They assured us she would probably sleep through the night, and be the better for it.  They told us to call back if needed -- that they were just a few minutes away.

Then they packed up, cleaned up and were on their way.  Back to the station to wait for other calls until their shift would be over around sunrise.

And really, this is only usual paramedic service.  But the times we are in -- this time of pandemic, makes it much more than "just usual."

How can we not be thankful for paramedics who serve the well-being of others like this in a time like this?  

The day after this event the local paper told a story of how paramedics far more than firefighters and police officers are now suffering massively increased instances and degrees of PTSD.  

I wonder.  In addition to other stresses, could there be a connection between that and the fact that while these two came in as they did, three firefighters who followed the ambulance to our house stayed outside having to chat among themselves through protective masks, under instruction not to enter the house without the paramedics going in first, establishing the parameters of the scene, and asking for their assistance only if needed?

I am immensely grateful for those two paramedics who Friday night just came right in where others cannot or will not tread.